MUSEUM HELPS STUDENTS TAKE ACTION ON SUSTAINABILITY

Over 80 Regina and district high-school students are taking action on social and environmental issues at Saskatchewan's first Youth Forum on Sustainability.

The students are participating in phase two of the Youth Forum on Sustainability today at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum. Phase one was held February 25th, 2004, when the Museum hosted a series of issue and skill-building workshops involving over 40 experts from Regina, Saskatoon, Swift Current and Weyburn.

"The Youth Forum helps to foster grassroots projects that promote learning and create opportunities for students to make a real difference," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said. "This unique and exciting opportunity develops partnerships, encourages practical, community-based project development and enhances the leadership training of youth."

The Royal Saskatchewan Museum is collaborating on this Forum with the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina and Learning for a Sustainable Future, a non-profit organization affiliated with York University. Other partners include the Department of Learning, SaskEnergy, the City of Regina, the Saskatchewan Science Centre, the Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative, the Saskatchewan Outdoor and Environmental Education Association, and the First Nations University of Canada. Forum sponsors include TD Canada Trust, Communities of Tomorrow, Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association, Natural Resources Canada, Green Street and the University of Regina Centre for Sustainable Communities.

"Similar events have happened in other Canadian cities, but never in conjunction with museum exhibits that deal explicitly with relevant social and environmental issues," Museum curator and Youth Forum steering committee chair Dr. Glenn Sutter said. "Our hope is that everyone comes away from the Forum with a broad understanding of sustainability and that the students take on projects that make a real difference to their communities."

In 2002, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum was recognized as a national leader in sustainability education by the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication. The Museum received an award of excellence for the design and content of its Life Sciences Gallery, especially a series of permanent exhibits called The Human Factor.

The Royal Saskatchewan Museum is fully funded by the provincial government as part of its commitment to give the people of Saskatchewan an appreciation and understanding of our natural and cultural heritage.

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For More Information, Contact:

Penny Pedersen Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-2850